Still, that journey was well worth the challenge because of the amazing 501c3 organization that is both housing us here in Vegas and also benefitting from our manpower.
In May, 2012 a group of forward-thinking public servants spearheaded a plan to provide temporary housing for displaced veterans as these men and women make the transition from homelessness to home ownership. This idea developed into Veterans Village.
The organization, classified as extended stay community apartments, operates out of a refurbished 122 unit Econo Lodge located on the Las Vegas strip near Old Las Vegas/Freemont in an area nicknamed Homeless Corridoor.
Since it's establishment in May 2012, Veterans Village has assisted 36,283 people. The organization has recieved 10,203 references for people that need assistance. It has extended an amazing 64,800 bed nights to individuals in need for a place to sleep for the evening and an even more amazing 132,102 meals provided.
To help provide these services, the organization has been fortunate to receive help from 5,450 skilled volunteers and 2,876 unskilled volunteers. Additionally, Veterans Village has helped facilitate the creation of 306 full-time and 152 part-time jobs for the veterans housed at the accommodations.
In terms of funding, Veterans Village has several avenues for gathering the necessary revenues and supplies to provide for the homeless and displaced people that have served our country. Companies such as Dunkin Donuts, Whole Foods, Trader Joes, etc. all donate generous amounts of food supplies. Additionally, Home Depot has heavily supported Veterans Village with a grant that excedes $1,000,000. In addition to this notable grant, Veterans Village also recieved support from other grant programs.
There is clearly a need for veteran support across our country and particularly in Las Vegas, the state that ranks poorly as number 50 out of 50 in processing veterans and reintegrating them into society. In terms of specifics, Veterans Village needs support for (1) their emergency housing fund, a fund that houses veterans for $20 a night. This $20 goes toward food, living expenses, medical needs, etc. The organization also needs help to (2) defray basic operations cost such as power bills, water bills, maintenance needs, electric bills, etc. Finally, Veterans Village is making strides to (3) construct a Memorial Plaza as a place for veterans and those affected by the military to reflect on their time with the service and the ways in which it has impacted their life. If any of these three central needs calls out to you, I am sure that Veterans Veterans village would be happy to receive any form of support.
If you would like to learn more, I encourage you to visit Veterans Village's website at:
www.vvlv.org
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